Ha Long Bay Deals
Ha Long Bay is the image of Vietnam that lives in everyone's head: nearly two thousand limestone islands rising sheer from emerald water, junk boats drifting between them, and a mist that makes the whole scene look painted. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994, it remains — despite the crowds at the main pier — one of the most beautiful seascapes on earth.
The way to do it is on the water overnight. Modern cruise boats range from boutique 20-cabin junks to floating five-star hotels, and a one- or two-night itinerary takes you into the quieter Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha bays beyond the day-trip zone — kayaking into hidden lagoons, swimming off the boat, cave visits at dawn before the flotillas arrive, and dinner on deck as the karsts fade to silhouettes.
If a cabin isn't your style, the bay's shoreline has developed real resort options: beachfront properties on Tuan Chau and around Bai Chay, and the wilder Cat Ba Island on the Lan Ha side, with hiking, a national park and beaches. Ha Long is two and a half hours from Hanoi by expressway, so it slots neatly into a northern Vietnam itinerary.
March to May and September to November bring the clearest skies; summer is warm and good for swimming but can be stormy, and winter (December to February) is cool and atmospheric with the famous mist. When our Ha Long Bay deals land they'll follow the house rules — named cruise operators, cabins and meals in writing, Hanoi transfers included. Join below to hear first.
Ha Long Bay deals are coming soon
We're negotiating directly with hotels in Ha Long Bay right now — the same way every TravelPearls deal is done, with the inclusions written into the contract. Joining is free, no membership fees: sign up below and you'll be first to hear the moment our first Ha Long Bay deal goes live.
See this week's live dealsHa Long Bay — frequently asked questions
How do I get to Ha Long Bay?
Ha Long is about 150 km east of Hanoi — two to two and a half hours on the expressway, and most cruises include a shuttle or private transfer from Hanoi hotels. Cat Ba Island (Lan Ha Bay) is reached from Haiphong by ferry or from Hanoi by bus and boat. There's no need for a domestic flight.
Overnight cruise or day trip?
Overnight, without question. Day trips from Hanoi spend six hours in a bus for four on the water, all of it in the busiest zone. An overnight cruise reaches the quieter bays, gives you sunset and sunrise among the karsts, and includes kayaking, cave visits and meals. Two nights is even better if time allows.
When is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?
March to May and September to November offer the best balance of clear skies, warm water and calm seas. Summer (June to August) is hottest and busiest with a risk of storms cancelling sailings; winter (December to February) is cool and misty — beautiful but bring layers.
Is Ha Long Bay good for families?
Yes — kids love the boat itself, kayaking, swimming off the back deck and the caves. Choose a boat with family or connecting cabins and a one-night itinerary for younger children; older kids and teens will happily do two. The Hanoi–Ha Long transfer is straightforward by private car.
Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha — what's the difference?
They're one connected seascape. Ha Long proper is the classic, most-visited zone; Bai Tu Long to the north-east is quieter with fewer boats; Lan Ha to the south, around Cat Ba, has beaches and the fewest crowds. The better cruise operators route into Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha — we'll always say which on the deal.
Get Ha Long Bay Deals First
Our first Ha Long Bay deals are being negotiated now. Free to join, no membership fees — sign up and get the alert the moment one goes live.